Ghost Students Scam: DepEd Uncovers Shocking Fraud in Private Schools!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a decisive move to uphold the integrity of educational funding, the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office has launched an investigation into allegations of "ghost students" benefiting from the Senior High School (SHS) Voucher Program. This probe targets 12 private schools across nine divisions suspected of fraudulent activities. 

The SHS Voucher Program is a government initiative designed to provide financial assistance to students pursuing senior high school education in private institutions. The emergence of ghost students—non-existent enrollees fraudulently listed to siphon funds—undermines the program's objectives and raises serious concerns about fund misappropriation.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the gravity of these allegations, stating, "We take these allegations seriously. Any form of misuse of public funds intended for critical education programs will not be tolerated." He further assured that the DepEd is committed to uncovering the truth and holding accountable those responsible for such fraudulent activities. 

This issue isn't unprecedented. In March 2024, a Senate investigation revealed over 19,000 ghost students benefiting from the SHS Voucher Program, leading to significant financial losses. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian highlighted that more than P7 billion was allocated to non-poor beneficiaries, diverting resources from those genuinely in need. 

The DepEd's current investigation aims to identify and hold accountable any personnel and officials involved in these fraudulent activities. Potential consequences include the termination of a school's participation in the voucher program and the revocation of accreditation. Legal measures, encompassing administrative and criminal sanctions, are also being considered against those found culpable. 

To prevent future occurrences, the DepEd is enhancing its monitoring mechanisms and encourages the public to report any irregularities related to its programs. Anonymous reports can be sent to walangkorapsyon@deped.gov.ph. The department also reassures the public that legitimate students affected by these investigations will receive the necessary assistance to continue their education without disruption. 

This proactive stance by the DepEd underscores its dedication to transparency, accountability, and the judicious use of public funds in delivering quality education to Filipino students.

BIR files 8.5B Tax Evasion Case after Night Raid of Illicit Cigarette Factory & Warehouses in Bulacan & Valenzuela; Largest BIR Raid against Illicit Cigarette for 2024

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. reports that after a successful large-scale raid against illicit cigarettes in Bulacan and Valenzuela last November 6, 2024, the BIR has filed a tax evasion case against the culprits behind the illicit operation. The criminal cases were filed last November 14, 2024 and February 7, 2025. The BIR computed a total tax liability of Php 8,544,809,067.50.

The night of November 6, 2024, the BIR conducted a simultaneous raid of an illicit cigarette factory in Bulacan and three (3) illicit cigarette warehouses in Valenzuela. All four (4) sites are suspected to be part of one criminal enterprise. The BIR seized raw materials, cigarette making machines, and cigarette packing machines. Six (6) Chinese nationals were also arrested by law enforcement officers.

"The BIR has filed an 8.5 B Tax Evasion case against the criminals behind an illicit cigarette factory and 3 warehouses in Bulacan and Valenzuela. It was the largest operation of the BIR against illicit cigarette last 2024. The BIR will not stop filing criminal cases against large-scale illicit cigarette manufacturers and distributors.  Big or small, all operations of illicit cigarettes in the Philippines is criminal in nature" Commissioner Lumagui stated.

The culprits violated the National Internal Revenue Code, particularly Section 236 in  relation to Section 258 - Unlawful Pursuit of Business, Section 263 - Unlawful Possession or Removal of Articles Subject to Excise Tax without Payment of Tax, Section 265-B - Unlawful Possession of Any Apparatus or Mechanical Contrivance for the Manufacture of Cigarettes, and Section 260 - Unlawful Possession of Cigarette Paper in Bobbins or Rolls, Cigarette Tipping Paper or Cigarette Filter Tips.

Outstanding response to PACD, social media messages for ARTA—CSM Results

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) received an outstanding rating of 99.6% for Social Media responses and 97.4% for Public Assistance and Complaints Desk (PACD), according to its recently conducted virtual Client Satisfaction Measurement (CSM). ARTA also received a very satisfactory rating of 92.66% for complaints. 

*Assistance to complaints, a continuous commitment to the public* 

The majority of the research population was represented by common Citizens with 76.15%, while 10.55% were business entities, 10.09% were government entities, and the rest of the clients ranged from lawyers of complainants, foreigners seeking permanent residence, non-stock nonprofit organizations, private, permanent resident visa holders. They provided valuable insights into the service delivery strategies and performance of ARTA’s personnel.  

According to the CSM, the Complaints Officers responded quickly, adhered to the Citizen’s Charter, treated clients fairly, and served courteously; a testament to the foundation of ARTA’s commitment in providing effective service.  

Additionally, the close coordination between ARTA’s PAD and Committees on Anti-Red Tape (CART) to assess, evaluate, and endorse the complaints, has also contributed to enhancing strategies to improve provision of services and ensure continued client satisfaction.  

*Stakeholders’ participation, a vital part of public service improvements* 

ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez has previously mentioned the essential role of the public in improving government services.  

“The public’s active participation in this initiative is important as the CSM Reports’ findings are springboards for improvement as the Philippines strive in a Bagong Pilipinas,” Secretary Perez said as he called for the transacting public to take the time to answer the survey.  

Continuously improving the services of its offices and personnel, ARTA adheres to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure that bureaucratic transactions and processes are streamlined and efficient to ensure an inclusive and citizen-centric bureaucratic environment. In a Bagong Pilipinas, the public’s satisfaction is upheld to a high standard to further establish a dynamic, compassionate, and progressive Philippines.